Former Ambleside May Queens and attendants can take a nostalgic look back at what what was once a highlight of village life with old photographs in Ambleside Library.

The May Queen would be about 15 years old, accompanied by two train and crown-bearers and the annual coronation was held on a Friday in May in the Ambleside Assembly Rooms. The new Queen and attendants would be photographed in the garden at Wraysholme, Millans Park.

Old photographs of Ambleside’s Crowning Glories will be on display at Ambleside Library until mid-June, as part of Local History Month. Ambleside Oral History archive also has interviews recounting May Queen celebrations at www.aohg.org.uk

A BLAZE of colour filled the heavens above Kendal Castle as scores of unusually-shaped kites were flown during a two-day festival.

Hundreds of people turned out to see the skies above the central town landmark transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour.

The free event saw kites of all descriptions performing aerial acrobatics. There was a 16ft hippopotamus, flying dogs, super-sized fish and many more, all organised by SmileFactor10 and Kendal United Junior Football Club.

Event organiser Craig Harby, who attends kite festivals regularly, said he wanted to bring the joys of the event to his home town.

“I do it for smiles. If you get someone looking at your kite and smiling then that’s why you do it really,” said Mr Harby. “It’s one of those things you either enjoy or not. It's a peaceful thing flying a kite.”

Emma Whitanney, of Windermere, who was at the event with her eight-year-old son, Isaac, said: “It’s fab for the area to have something like this. It’s a really fun family day out.”

There was also a Kendal United two-day car boot sale where a selection of kites, air toys, novelties and balloons were available to buy and fly.

Other activities included a bouncy castle, face painting, children’s play area and a BMX track.

Proceeds from the kite extravaganza will go towards Kendal’s Junior Football Club.

Anyone with photographs from the day should send them to hello@smilefactor10.co.uk for a chance of winning a seven-foot delta flow tail kite.

CONGRATULATIONS to all our Easter Egg hunters. Once again the Easter Bunny visited the grounds of the Hotel and left 30 eggs hidden away amongst the flower beds. The Easter egg hunting team, some 15 hunters strong this year made short work of finding all the eggs, including the fantastic golden egg, special congratulations Georgie Madeley, The bunny also left Easter gifts for all egg hunters.

The bunny will be back next year, rumour has he may even have a special costume for the occasion.

Hope you all had a great Easter and have been enjoying the fine weather.

Is it too late for a William and Kate Scavenger Hunt this Friday?? possibly!!

Till next time enjoy your chocolate and practice your bunny bouncing for next year!!

A POPULAR visitor attraction in Bowness is in the running for a prestigious award for excellence.

Blackwell, The Arts and Crafts House project by Lakeland Arts Trust – one of Britain's finest surviving arts and crafts house by M.H.Baillie Scott - has been shortlisted from hundreds of entries for an award at the national Museums and Heritage Awards for Excellence.

Comedienne and broadcaster Sue Perkins will announce the 11 lucky winners at a ceremony at Westminister on May 11.

The Awards applaud projects ranging from groundbreaking achievements of national institutions to those crafted with limited resources and budget and winners will be selected by a panel of judges including Diane Lees, Director General, Imperial War Museums and Sam Mullins, Director, London Transport Museum and other leading sector professionals.